Photo and Check-in Guide for the Imperial City Xiangfu in Jincheng, Shanxi, a place with rich history and culture

Travel back to the Ming and Qing dynasties! Explore the stunning Imperial City Xiangfu in Yangcheng, Shanxi, with this detailed check-in guide📸

This Ming and Qing architectural complex hidden in Yangcheng, Jincheng is absolutely amazing! From the moment you step through the city gate, it feels like traveling back 400 years. Every shot between the red walls and green tiles looks like a masterpiece~ Here’s a comprehensive check-in guide for you👇

🏰 Top 5 Must-Photograph Spots:
1️⃣ Imperial Library Golden Roof (the upward angle is perfect! The sunlight shining on the glazed tiles makes them glow✨)
2️⃣ Seven-Story Hidden Soldiers Corridor (full of depth, wearing Hanfu adds even more feel)
3️⃣ Heshan Tower Panorama (the viewing platform outside the side gate captures the full view, most stunning at sunset)
4️⃣ Miss’s Courtyard Flower Windows (the light and shadow at 4 PM are super dreamy)
5️⃣ Xiangfu City Wall (aerial shots here are basically a budget Forbidden City!)

⏰ Best Shooting Times: Recommended 8-10 AM or 3-5 PM for soft light and fewer crowds (personally tested, Wednesdays have the least visitors)

🎫 Useful Information:
Ticket price: 150 RMB/person (discounts available for online advance booking)
Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours
There are many tour guides in the scenic area; you can hire one if you want to learn more about the history

📸 Outfit Tips:
✔️ Hanfu or modern Chinese style outfits are great for photos (rentals available on site)
✔️ Solid color long skirts paired with dark tiles create a high-quality look
✔️ Avoid complex patterned clothes (they clash with the architectural patterns)

💡 Hidden Activities:
√ Try Xiangfu honey brew (osmanthus honey made with traditional methods)
√ Collect stamps (there are 6 free stamp points in the scenic area)
√ Watch the city wall light show (night sessions open irregularly)

After touring, don’t miss the lamb noodles in Beiliu Town! Just a 10-minute drive to "Lao Wang’s Noodle House," where you can eat your fill for about 30 RMB per person~ For those driving, it’s recommended to park at the scenic area’s P3 parking lot, which is the closest to the ticket office on foot~